12 V electrical systems in your car are about to become a thing
of the past. With many of the typical car's systems being slated for
electrification, the planned 42 V architecture is needed for ruggedness
and efficiency. Drive-by-wire steering and braking, transmission clutches,
variable valve timing, and active suspensions are among the items on
the drawing board now. Exotic schemes are envisioned such as stopping
the engine at stop lights or stop signs, then instantly restarting when
the gas pedal is pushed (lower emissions than idling). Higher voltages
mean smaller gauges for the hundreds of feet of wiring in cars, which
means less weight, smaller connectors, etc. Analog Devices, Infineon,
and Motorola are among the companies introducing new qualified devices
into the market. I wonder if these cars will qualify as hybrids?